HI there
I am studying a yoga teachers training course and as part of anatomy
module have chosen to do my assignment on c-sections and the damage
it does to the muscles and nerves of the lower abdomen (as I have
experienced this myself) and would really appreciate any information
you can give me.

I know there is damage; it is just not so easy to find proof online
to reference it with. Any info or pointing in right direction would
be great.

PS my
assignment is due in 10 days so I do not have much time! Thanking
you in advance

Michele

Answer:

Dear
Michele,

It is
impossible to have any surgical procedure (including a c-section)
without cutting into some nerves.

However,
nerve injury after cesarean section is rare. In most cases, the nerves
heal without any lasting effects.

When
nerve injury after cesarean section does not heal, this is called
nerve damage. It can be short-term or long-term, and symptoms include
loss of feeling in the skin or difficulty controlling muscles.

In a
caesarean section operation, there are various types of incisions
in the abdominal wall that can be used.

These
include vertical and transverse incisions, and there are variations
in the specific ways the incisions can be undertaken.

The Joel-Cohen
incision shows better outcomes than the Pfannenstiel incision in terms
of less fever for women, less postoperative pain, less blood loss,
shorter duration of surgery and shorter hospital stay.

Because
nerves near the skin are so small, it is impossible to have a cesarean
section and not cut them.

There
is rarely any nerve injury after cesarean section, and nerves often
heal along with the skin.

However,
sometimes, nerves are cut and they do not heal. This is called nerve
damage. In some cases, the nerve damage can affect a large part of
the body; in other cases, it only affects a small area.

It might
only last for a short time, or it might last the rest of the life.